Abstract: A system and method for stabilizing a welding arc is disclosed. The method of initiating the arc includes the steps of defining a wire feed speed based on a user selected wire feed speed and then abruptly reducing the wire feed speed before the wire feed speed reaches a relatively stabilized speed for welding, thereby allowing a welding arc to initiate and propagate to a generally steady state.

Abstract: A hybrid wire feeder including an energy storage device and a charging circuit are provided. The hybrid wire feeder may selectively alternate between utilization of power from the energy storage device and utilization of power from a welding power supply to power the weld and one or more weld sequencing events. Some embodiments provide for the energy storage device to be adapted to discharge during periods when the welding power supply is not outputting power and to recharge from the welding power when the welding power supply is outputting power.

Abstract: A welding system including a welding power supply coupled to a wire feeder via a spool gun connection is provided. The welding system is adapted to utilize the power and control capabilities originating from the spool gun connection for wire feeder operations during an initial period. The wire feeder is adapted to utilize the welding arc power and an internal controller to power and control wire feeder operations after the initial period.

Abstract: A hybrid wire feeder including an energy storage device and a charging circuit are provided. The hybrid wire feeder may selectively alternate between utilization of power from the energy storage device and utilization of power from a welding power supply to power the weld and one or more weld sequencing events. Some embodiments provide for the energy storage device to be adapted to discharge during periods when the welding power supply is not outputting power and to recharge from the welding power when the welding power supply is outputting power.

Abstract: A welding system including a welding power supply coupled to a wire feeder via a spool gun connection is provided. The welding system is adapted to utilize the power and control capabilities originating from the spool gun connection for wire feeder operations during an initial period. The wire feeder is adapted to utilize the welding arc power and an internal controller to power and control wire feeder operations after the initial period.

Abstract: A system and method is described for updating firmware in a welding or plasma cutting system. A removable memory device containing updated firmware code and a set of execution instructions is interfaced with one or more component boards. The execution instructions are executed on a processor of the welding or plasma cutting system to load the updated firmware code stored on the removable memory device into memory of the welding or plasma cutting system via an interface, generally overwriting the old firmware code.

Abstract: A system and method for stabilizing a welding arc is disclosed. The method of initiating the arc includes the steps of defining a wire feed speed based on a user selected wire feed speed and then abruptly reducing the wire feed speed before the wire feed speed reaches a relatively stabilized speed for welding, thereby allowing a welding arc to initiate and propagate to a generally steady state.

Abstract: A system and method for stabilizing a welding arc is disclosed. The method of initiating the arc includes the steps of defining a wire feed speed based on a user selected wire feed speed and then abruptly reducing the wire feed speed before the wire feed speed reaches a relatively stabilized speed for welding, thereby allowing a welding arc to initiate and propagate to a generally steady state.